Air or current separator



Jan. 30 G FRA'SER AIR OR CURRENT SEPARATOR Original Filed Jan. 10, 19353 Sheets-Sheet 1 fly],

INVENTQR Jan. 30, 1940.

G. H. FRASER AIR 0R CURRENT SEPARATOR Original Filed Jan. I0, 1935 3Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR @754 G. H. FRASER AIR 0R CURRENT SEPARATOROriginal Filed Jan. 10, 1935 7 .wmwfi w W 6 m 1 7 J 1 6 7 J m u 1 u D m0 d Q 5 M W 3 1 7 mq u 8 7 E aw u a W" a m INVENTOR Patented Jan. 30,1940 UNITED STATES tATENT OFFICE Application January 10, 1935, SerialNo. 1,173 Renewed July 18, 1939 '22 Claims.

This invention relates to pneumatic or other current separators forseparating fine from coarse or light from heavy material, and aims toprovide improvements in such separators especially applicable to suchseparators of the types shown in my patents No. 1,542,050 granted June16, 1925 on my application Serial No. 281,445 filed March 8, 1919;

No. 1,834,095 granted Dec. 1, 1931 on my application Serial No. 26,033filed April 27, 1925;

No. 1,876,516 granted Sept. 6, 1932 on my application Serial No. 737,411filed Sept. 12, 1924;

No. 1,987,615 issued Jan. 15, 1935 on my application Serial No. 687,359filed Jan. 19, 1924;

No. 1,992,942 issued March 5, 1935 on my application Serial No. 459,930filed June 9, 1930;

No. 2,055,484 issued Sept. 29, 1936 on my application Serial No. 514,199filed Feb. 7, 1931;

No. 2,055,485 issued Sept. 29, 1936 on my ap plication Serial No.714,961 filed March 10, 1934;

No. 2,113,586 issued April 12, 1938 on my application Serial No. 606,407filed April 20, 1932, and No, 2,148,452 issued Feb. 28, 1939 on myapplication Serial No, 584,140 filed Dec. 31, 1931.

Other types of such separators are set forth in my applications- SerialNo. 628,678 filed August 13, 1932;

Serial No. 628,679 filed August 13, 1932;

Serial No. 38,777 filed August 31, 1935;

Serial No. 55,423 filed Dec. 20, 1935;

Serial No. 80,258 filed May 18, 1936;

Serial No. 93,210 filed July 29, 1986, and

Serial No. 141,534 filed May 8, 1937.

This application contains subject matter formerly included in my earlierapplication Serial No. 91 filed Jan. 2, 1925, other subject matter ofwhich has been protected by claims in my said Patent -No 1,834,695, andin my said Patent No. 1,876,516.

This application contains subject matter formerly included in my saidapplication Serial No, 606,407, other subject matter of which has beenprotected by claims in my said Patent No. 2,113,586, and other subjectmatter of which is claimed in my said applications Serial No. 55,423,Serial No. 80,258, and Serial No. 93,210.

application contains subject matter formerly included in my earlierapplication Serial No. 628,678, other subject matter of which has beenclaimed in my said application Serial No. 141,534.

The object of this invention is to provide improved means for varyingthe action of a pneu- 'matic or other fluid current'separatorjby varyingthe velocity and path of the current stream "and the manner in which thematerial is distributed.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved form ofrotating valve for the outlet of the separating chamber.

1 A further object of my invention is to provide improved means forsimultaneously varying the speed of rotation of the fan and the positionof the distributor.

A iurther object of my invention is to provide improved means forsimultaneously varying the speed of rotation of the distributorcoincidently with variation in the position of the latter.

A further object of my invention is to provide means for simultaneouslyvaryingv the radial extent of the distributor and the position of thevalve.

A further object of my invention is to provide means for simultaneouslyreversely vertically varying the positions of the distributor and of. a

, baflle below and adjacent the upper outlet.

sired manner to a separator having either an annular feed conduit or acentral feed pipe, but which I prefer to combine, and apply and usetogather, in any current separator, as shown inthe accompanyingdrawings, in which Fig, 1 is a side elevation partly cut in verticalaxial mid-section of an annular feed conduit air separator provided withthe preferred form and combination of my improvements;

Fig. 2 is a similar view of a central feed conduit air separatorprovided therewith;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross section of the separator shown in Fig. 1,the left hand side of the View being out on the plane of the fulcrum ofthe counterbalanced lever, and the other parts of the view'beingsteppeddown and cut on planes, the one extended above the fan blades, and theothers extended immediately above the upper 'bafiie, immediately abovethe annular baffle, im-

mediately below the annular baffle, immediately above the distributor,immediatelybelow the latter, and through the filter vanes, respectively;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detailed plan view of the lower baflle and itsradial segments and their operator levers, and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detailed plan view of the distributor, showingits radial segments and their operating levers.

Referring to the drawings, in which the same numbers indicate similarparts of an air separator, ll isthe outer casing enclosing a settlingchamber l3, I5 is the inner casing enclosing a separating chamber I1, I9is a coarse material receiver, 2I is a supply conduit, 23 is a rotarydistributor, 25 is the distributor chamber, 21 is the distributor driveshaft, 29 are its drive gears, 3I is the lower current inlet to theseparating chamber, 63 is the upward current passage therein, 33 is theupper current outlet therefrom, BI is a rotary valve at the outlet andI2'I is a rotary upper bafiie under the outlet, 35 are the blower fanblades, I25 are the fan spokes, 37' is the return current passage, 33 isa filter consisting of one or more rings of spaced vertical vanes acrossthe return passage 37, for intercepting and dropping through their lowerends fine material in the current returning from the settling cham-.

ber, M is the fan drive shaft, 43 are the fan gears, 45 is a variablespeed motor or other primary driver for the rotary parts, 47 is theoutlet for fine material, and 53 is the outlet for coarse material.

II are the circumferentially spaced uptossers around and revoluble withthe distributor 23, which are shown as inclined for uptossing materialin the Zone of distribution when they are rotated in clockwisedirection; I3 is a rotary retarder shelf revoluble with the fan spokesI25 and depended therefrom to within the lower inlet 3|; I is therevoluble tubular partition depended from and revoluble with the fanspokes I25, for revolubly defining the return current passage 31; TI isa rotary shelf under the ends of the filter vanes 39, for resistingleakage therebelow; I9 is a rotary grooved ring around the upper edge ofthe receiver I9, for resisting leakage therearound; BI is a vapor ventoutlet extended from within the inner casing I5 to externally of theouter casing II; 83 are the adjustable jet rings between the inner andouter casings, for downwardly jetting the current outwardly of thefilter 39 85 are jarrer hammers for jarring these and the filter andtailings receiver; ill is a jarrer striker therefor; 89 is a jarreranvil between and in operative relation to the hammers 85 and thestriker 81.

These may be of any suitable construction for spreading the material tobe separated across the upward passage and causing a current to flow upthrough the separating chamber and upper outlet into the'settlingchamber, and to return through the filter to the lower inlet, forseparating and floating fine material into'the settling chamber anddropping coarser material into the coarse receiver.

The outer casing II is shown as enclosing a settling chamber I3, and theinner casing I5 is shown as within and in spaced relation thereto, andas having a lower current inlet 3!, upward passage 63, and upper outlet33, in communication with the settling chamber I3, and as affording anendless current passage or path 31 extended up through and down aroundthe inner casing, through the filter 39, and above the tailings receiverI9.

The current circulation means is shown as a rotary blower means or fanblades 35, revoluble between the inner and outer casings and aroimd theoutlet 33, for causing a separating current to circulate in an endlesspath up through and down around the separating chamber.

The distributor 23 is shown as rotary for the rotatable supply anddistribution of material to be separated in the distribution chamber 25,and as vertically adjustable for vertically varying I the zone of saiddistribution, and as having a rotaryring of segments 5I which areinwardly and outwardly slidably movably adjustable, for

radially varying the zone of distribution, for varying the separation.The distributor is shown as surrounded by circumferentially spacedrevoluble uptossers lI, revoluble in the zone of distribution, and shownas inclined for uptossing material therefrom when the uptossers arerevolved in clockwise direction.

The distributor 23 is shown as having a hub or lower baffle 53 invertically fixed spaced relation to and movable vertically with it,which is shown as provided with a rotary ring of segments 55 l which areradially adjustable by inwardly and outwardly slidable movement, forradially varying the width of the lower bafile 53 and the width of thedistribution chamber 25 adjacent the zone of distribution.

The blower means is shown as of the type which is revoluble at variablespeed relatively tothe distribution means, and as revolved by a variablespeed driver I05, shown as a conventional variable speed'device of thetype in which reversely axially movable conical pulleys are coincidentlymoved by adjuster levers I09, for transmitting rotation from theirconstant shaft I I? at variable speed to their variable shaft III, whichlatter is shown as belted to a blower gear shaft II5, from whichrotation is transmitted through blower gears 43 to a verticallystationary blower drive shaft fiI, connected by spoke means I25 to thefan blades 35, for revolving the latter at variable speed.

The distribution means is shown as of a type which is revolublerelatively to the circulation means, and as revolved by a variable speeddriver I03, shown as said conventional type having reversely axiallymovable conical pulleys coincidently moved by shifter levers I09, fortransmitting rotation at variable speed from their constant speed shaftII? to their variable shaft III, which latter is shown as belted to adistributor gear shaft M3, for rotating the distributor shaft 21 and thedistributor 23 at variable speed, and preferably relatively to the fanblades 35.

The constant speed shaft II! of the variable speed drivers I05 and I 03is shown as the variable speed shaft of a similar conventional variablespeed driver IEII, the adjustment levers I09 of which are manuallyadjusted by a screw I I9, and a constant speed shaft ill of which isshown as revolved by the shaft I2I of a variable speed motor or otherprimary driver 45.

The distributor 23 is shown as splined on its drive shaft 21 by a screwI45 slidable in a slot I47 therein, by which screw the distributor iscarried by a tubular vertically adjustable suspender 53, revolublymounted on an upwardly and downwardly movable bearing 9|, mounted on anon-rotary adjustment lever 93, which lever is adjusted by a lock nut 95adjustably screwed on a rod 99, which lever and the distributor areshown as counterbalanced by adjustable counter weights 91, by tiltingwhich lever the distributor 23 may be vertically movably adjusted, forvarying the height of the zone of distribution.

The current space regulation means is shown as comprising a rotary upperbaffle I21 below and adjacent the upper outlet, for defining the spacethrough which the current may flow to the latter, and vertically movablyadjustable for vertically varying said space, for thereby varying thevelocity of the current, for varying the separation, which bafile isshown as vertically spaced from and sustained from and revoluble withthe distributor 23.

The filter vanes 39 are shown as depended from conically arranged anglerings l3l, and these and the inner casing H5 are shown as ad- 'justablycarried and radially positioned by slidable brackets I31, adjustablycarried by screw threaded rods l33, which are adjustably mounted on thetop of the outer casing by screw threaded nuts I43.

7 Y The fan blades 35 are shown as surrounded by a conical deflectorH39, which is carried by and vertically adjustable with a suspender rodMl,

which vertically adjustably sustains the jet rings 83 and whirl checksI35 between and connecting the latter.

Asthus far described these parts may be any suitable parts for thecirculation of a' separating current, and for the variation of itsvelocity, and

'for the distribution in said current of material to be separatedthereby, and for the vertical or radial variation of the zone ofdistribution, those shown being similar to corresponding parts claimedin my said patents and in my said companion applications.

In a separator of this general type it is sometimes desirable that thevelocity of the separating current may be varied coincidently withvertical or radial variation of the zone of distribution withoutthrottling the current space, in order to eliminate the resistance tosuch circulation incident to throttling the space through which thecurrent may flow, and one feature of my present invention provides forvarying the velocity of the current by variation of the circulationmeans itself coincidently with variation of the zone of distribution,which I preferably accomplish in the construction shown by providingbetween and common to the distribution adjustment means and the variablespeed blower drive means a coincident current velocity variationconnection, as I5l, shown as a link connected to an arm H11 -on thedistributor adjustment lever 93 and connected to the shifter H39 of thevariable speed 'blower driver I85, in such manner that as thedistributor 23 is movably adjusted by vertical adjustment of its bearing9! when the lever 593 is tilted, the blower driver I95 will be variedand will correspondingly vary the speed of rotation of the fan blades35, thereby varying the velocity of the separating current coincidentlywith variaupper position for diminishing said velocity, to-

cidently with movable adjustment thereof, preferably by sustaining thebaffle from and connecting it to the latter by providing a motion changeor a reverse motion connection therebetween, as 153, shown as a lever 69and a link [53, which is shownas connected to the radially movablesegments 55 in such manner that as these segments are moved upwardly andoutwardly to vary the zone of distribution, such movement will betranslated into downward movement of the baffle I21, whereby the latterwill be moved from an ward an open position for increasing saidvelocity, coincidently with elevation or radial diminution of the zoneof distribution, as distinguished from the upper baffle in my said'applicationsSerial No. 55,423 and Serial No. 93,210 in which the upperbaffle is in vertically fixed relation to and is moved with thedistributor instead of relatively thereto. I

'In'separators of the type in which the width of the zone ofdistribution is radially variable, as by having around the distributor23 or its hub '53 a rotary ring of inwardly and outwardly adjustablyslidable segments 5! or 55, it is desirable that the velocity ofdistribution should be varied 'coincidently with the variation of thewidth of the zone of distribution, in order that this velocity maysuffice to project the material-across the width of the zone, and may besuited to that permitting effective separation, and my present inventionprovides for varying the velocity of distribution coincidently withvariation of the zone of distribution, preferably by varying the speedof rotation of the distributor 23 coincidently with vertical or radialyariation of said zone, preferably as shown in Fig. 1 by providing acoincident adjustment connection therebetween, as I55, shown as a linkconnected to the arm ID! of the distributor adjustment lever 93, inoperative relation to the distributor and connected to the shifter Hi9of the variable speed driver H13, in such manner that as the distributor23 is movably adjusted by tilting the lever 93 the driver 103 will bevaried and will varythe speed of rotation of the distributorcoincidently with movable adjustment thereof, whereby to vary thevelocity of distribution coincidently with variation of the zone ofdistribution, and preferably as shown to decrease said velocitycoincidently with decrease in the width of said zone, or with verticalelevation of the latter.

In separators of this general type itis desirable to simultaneouslyvertically and radially vary the zone of distribution, and my inventionprovides for effecting both such variations, and preferably forefiecting them coincidently, preferably as shown by making thedistributor vertically'movably adjustable and by providing it with oneor more rotary rings of collectively inwardly and outwardly slidablesegments 5| and 55, slidably connected to it in such manner that theymay be outwardly slid coincidently with upward adjustment of thedistributor, for reducing the width of the zone of distributionsimultaneously with elevation thereof, and inwardly slid coincidentlywith downward adjustment of the distributor, forincreasing the width ofthe zone of distribution simultaneously with depression thereof,

whereby'to afford a high and narrow zone for coarse separation, or a lowand wide zone for fine separation. I

Any suitable means may be employed for effecting such coincidentvertical and radial variation of the zoneof distribution, but forefiecting it in an annular feed conduit separator in which thedistributor 23 is splined on and rotated by a I shaft 21, and the fanblades 35 are rotated by a vertically stationary fan shaft 4! which isrevoluble relatively to the shaft 21, I prefer to slidably carry thesegments 5! and 55 from the distributor 23, and to radially move themrelatively thereto, for which I preferably provide segment vertical andradial coincident adjustment means, as I51, shown as comprising bellcranks 51', shown as fulcrumed to the distributor and vertically movabletherewith, and as having one arm connected by links [51 to the segments5| and the other arm revolubly engaged in the groove of a collar l59fixed on'the shaft ll below the distributor23 and affording a revolubleconnection between the shaft 4| and the bell cranks 51, in such mannerthat as vertical adjustment of the distributor raises the fulcrum of thebell cranks 51 their inner ends will be vertically stationarily held bythe grooved collar I59 and they will be thereby caused to tilt andradially slide the segments 5I and 55, which will thereby be movablyadjusted inwardly and outwardly coincidently with vertical movableadjustment of the distributor, whereby the height and width of the zoneof distribution will be simultaneously varied.

-In separators of the type having movably adjustable lower distributionmeans and a vertically spaced upper bafile, it is desirable that thecurrent path in the upward passage 63 therebetween should be variedrelatively to and coincidently with movable adjustment of thedistribution means, and my invention preferably provides for this asshown in Fig. 1, by providing an annular baflle 61 around the upwardpassage 63, which is movably adjustable relatively to the distributor 23and the upper bafiie I2I, from a lower position adjacent thedistribution chamber 25, for affording a narrow passage therefrom and asubstantial selection chamber 65 thereabove, to an upper position, arelatively greater distance above the distributor 23 and a relativelylesser distance below the upper baflle I21, coincidently with verticaladjustment of the distributor, for affording a more uniform path for thecurrent in the passage 63, when the distributor is vertically adjustedfor coarse separation. Preferably in such a construction the annularbaflle 61 is moved by and coincidently with radial movement of thesegments 55, and by and coincidently with movement of the lever 69, toan outer arm of which it is shown as connected in such manner that asthe lever 69 is tilted by outward movement of the segments 55 theannular baflle 61 will be simultaneously raised relatively to thelatter, and thereby will increase the space therebetween through whichthe current may flow from the distribution chamber, and will decreasethe space between the annular bafiie 61 and the upper baflie I2'Ithrough which the current may flow between these, which latter spacewill be further decreased by the depression of the bafiie I21 incidentto such tilting of the lever 69.

In some separators of the type having an upper baiile below the upperoutlet for defining the space therebetween through which the current mayflow, it is also desirable to vary the velocity of the current byvarying the space above the outlet through which the current may flow,as by means of a rotary valve 6| which is vertically adjustable abovethe upper baflle, and my present invention provides for availing of suchspace variation, and for sustaining and adjusting such a valve, withoutunnecessarily increasing the height of the separator, preferably asshown in Fig. 1 by making the upper baffle I2I with a recessed innerupper side in the shape of an inverted cone, and by making the uppervalve 6I of inverted conical shape, and by disposing it opposite andmaking it movably adjustable into said recess, and preferably providesfor sustaining and adjusting it by mounting it on the hub 53 of thedistributor 23 in such manner that it will rotate with the latter and bevertically adjusted thereby simultaneously therewith and in the samedirection and to the same extent as the distributor is adjusted, andsimultaneously reversely to the coincident adjustment of the baffle I21from and relatively to the distributor, whereby when the distributor 23is downwardly adjusted the valve 6I will be coincidently adjusted towarda closed position in which its lower portion will telescopically enterand be encircled by the inner recessed portion of the baffle I21, andwhen the and my present invention preferably provides for avoiding suchmolestation in the construction shown in Fig. 1, by disposing the spokemeans I 25 a distance below the distributor 23 and below the zone ofdistribution, and by extending them radially outwardly therebelow,without and around said zone and outwardly of and past the annularbaflle 61 and the upper baflie I21 and the upper valve 6|, and byconnecting them thereabove to the fan blades 35, whereby the latter maybe vertically stationarily sustained;

from inwardly of the relatively revoluble distributor shaft 21, and thedistributor and baflles and valve may be vertically adjusted and may berevolved relatively to the blower spoke means without molestation fromthe latter, and the, spoke means will be below and without the path ofdescent of material to the distributor, and below and around the zone ofdistribution and separation.

This disposition of the spoke means I25 facilitates suspension therefromof the retarder shelf I3, the tubular partition I5, the shelf 11, andthe grooved ring I9, from the blower shaft 4|, with which they are shownas revoluble in Fig. 1.

As thus far described, and as shown in Fig. 1,, my improvements as setforth are availed of in a separator having an annular feed conduit, adistributor drive shaft inwardly thereof, a blower drive shaft withinand surrounded by the distributor shaft and carrying the verticallysta-v tionary rotary parts, and having an upper baflie below andadjacent the upper outlet, but it will be understood my improvements canbe availed of in whole or in part with other types of separators, andcan be modified to suit the requirements thereof.

One such modification is shown in Fig. 2, which shows my improvementsapplied to a separator having a central feed pipe 2I, surrounded by adistributor shaft 21, which is surrounded by the distributor suspenderpipe 59, revolubly suspended from and vertically adjusted by the bearingIII, which suspender is surrounded by a tubular blower shaft 4|, onwhich the fan spokes I25 are mounted above the upper valve 6 I In thiscon-, struction the upper bafiie I21 is eliminated, and the annularbafile 61 is vertically movable from adjacent the distribution chamber25 to adjacent the upper outlet 33, for eliminating the selectionchamber 65 for coarse separation. In this 0011-, struction theVertically stationary revolubleparts are suspended from the distributorshaft 21, and are revolved by it.

In this construction the distributor 23 is susand upwardly pended fromits hub or lower baflie 53, and thQjf holes or recesses I49 inwardlythereof in the shaft;

21, in such manner that, as the Suspender is raised to elevate thedistributor, the bell cranks 51 and levers 69 will be tilted to radiallyslide the segmental plates 5! and 55, and to vertically adjust theannular bafile $1, coincidently with vertical adjustment of thesuspender 59.

In this construction the valve '6! and hub 53 are connected to thesuspender 59 in vertically fixed relation, so that vertical movement ofthe latter will move them in the same direction and to the same extentat the same time, and thereby move the valve toward an open positionwith elevation of the distributor, or toward a closed position withdepression thereof.

In this construction the coincident connections and F55 between thelever Q3 and the variable speed distributor driver )8 and fan driver I05are adapted to decrease the speed of rotation of the distributorcoincidently with elevation or expansion thereof, and to increase thevelocity of the current by increasing the speed of rotation of the fanblades coincidently with elevation or expansion of the distributor orelevation of the current space regulation valve (ii. In other respectsthe parts in this construction are similar to those before described andbear similar reference numerals.

In operation the separator is started at midadjustment and mean speed,and is then adjusted as required for the fineness of separation desired.For very fine separation the distributor and lower bame will be loweredand contracted and the upper valve or upper bafile will throttle theupper outlet, and the outer baiile will provide a large selectionchamber above it and below the outlet, so that theseparating currentwill be mild and of great volume, and the distributor will rotaterapidly for spreading the material across a wide distribution chamber,and the blower will rotate slowly for producing a gentle current. Forvery coarse separation the distributor will be raised and expanded forproviding a narrow distribution chamber, and will be rotated slowly forspreading the material across the narrow chamber, and the upper valve orbaffle will be opened, and the outer battle adjusted for providing auniform current passage to the fan blades, which will be rotated rapidlyfor generating a current of sufiicient intensity to separate coarsematerial. The separator may be easily adjusted for separating one or theother of these products or any intermediate product, and this may bedone during rotation without stopping operation.

Preferably the casing H isprovided with feet 36! which are adjustableand reversible, and is provided with vertical legs its to which thesefeet are adjustably connected,

Although for the purpose of illustrating the applicability of my presentimprovements I have shown them as utilized with a separator in which avertically adjustable distributor is spaced its vertically adjustabledistance below the orifice of a supply conduit and its verticallyadjustable distance above vertically fixed spoke means extended past itto and carr ing and rotating ion said conduit, said distributor sospaced, said spoke means, and said adjustment means, are notspecifically claimed herein, being claimed in u my said companionapplication Serial No. 141,534. I

Although "for the'p'urpose of illustrating the applicability of mypresent improvements I have shown them as utilized with a separatorhaving a rotary open top tubular partition wall '55 spaced inwardly ofthe'lower inlet to the separating chamber and partitioning the returncurrentpassage to thelatter from a tailings receptacle therebelow, andaffording communication between said chamber and said receptacle, saidrotary tubular partition ,wall is not claimed herein, being claimed inmy said application Serial No. 80,258.

Although for the purpose of jillustrating the applicability of mypresent improvements'il have shown them as utilized with a separatorhaving a rotary annular tailings retarder 73 around and above the returncurrent passage and within and aboveand inwardly'of the'lower inlet of aseparating chamber, said rotary retarder is not claimed herein,beingclaimed in my said application Serial No. 80,258;

Although for the purpose of illustrating the applicability of my presentimprovements I have 5'? shown them as applied to a separator having avertical rotary ring 79 inwardly of and extended from above to below thelower ends of a ring of circumferentially spaced material interceptorbaflles '39, such a vertical rotary ring is not claimed herein, beingclaimed in my said application Serial No. 38,777.

7 Although for the purpose of illustrating the applicability of mypresent improvements-I have shown them as applied to a separator havingan annular bafiie 61 within the separating chamber and around the upwardcurrent passage therein and movable from above and adjacent a movabledistributor to around and adjacent the upper outlet, from saidseparating chamber, and so movable with and to a greater extent than avertically movable valve above said outlet and a vertically movabledistributor below the latter, said annular-b'aflie so movable is notspecifically claimed herein, beingfgenerically claimed in my saidapplication Serial No. 80,258.

Although for the purpose of illustrating the applicability of my presentimprovements I have shown them as applied to a separator having avertically movable valve and a vertically movable distributor and avertically movable connection therebetweenall in vertically fixedrelation and simultaneously vertically movable in the same direction andto the same extent, a vertically movable valve and a vertically movabledistributor and a vertically movable connection therebetween invertically fixed relation and simultaneously vertically movable in thesame direction and to the same extent are not claimed herein, beingclaimed in my said companion application Serial No. 80,258.

vWhat I claim ist, l

1. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a,separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward currentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith, variablecurrent circulation means in communication with said passage, for theupward circulation of a separating current therein, for the separationof material therein, and variable for varying the velocity of saidcurrent, for varying said separation, dis-- tribution means within saidupward passage, for the supply and'distribution therein of material tobe separated by said current, and movably adjustable, for varying thezone of said distribution, for varying said separation, and dis tributoradjustment means in operative relation to said distribution means formovably adjusting the latter; the combination therewith of a connectionbetween and common to said current circulation means and saiddistribution means, for varying the former in response to movableadjustment of the latter, in operative relation to each thereof, andbeing operable to vary said current circulation means in response tomovable adjustment of said distribution means, and thereby to vary thevelocity of said current with variation of the zone of saiddistribution.

2. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward currentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith andaffording a communication passage between and in communication with saidchambers, rotary current circulation means in communication with saidpassages, for circulating a separating current up through said upwardpassage, for the separation of material therein, and for circulatingsaid current through said communication passage, variable speed rotationmeans in operative relation to said circulation means for revolving thelatter, and variable for varying the speed of revolution thereof, forvarying the velocity of said current, for varying the separation,distribution means within said upward passage, for the supply anddistribution therein of material to be separated by said current, andmovably adjustable for varying the zone of said distribu tion, forvarying said separation, and distributor adjustment means in operativerelation to said distribution means, for movably adjusting the latter;the combination therewith of an operat1ve connection between saidvariable speed means and said distribution means, constructed andarranged to vary said variable speed means in response to adjustment ofsaid distribution means.

3. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward cur rentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith andaffording a communication passage between and in communication with saidchambers, revoluble current circulation means in communication with saidpassages for the upward circulation of a separating current in saidupward passage, for the separation of material therein, and for thecirculation of said current through said communication passage, andrevoluble at variable speed for varying the velocity of said current,for varying said separation, distribution means within said upwardpassage, for the supply and distribution therein of material to beseparated by said current, and vertically adjustable for varying theerative to vary the'speed of revolution of said circulation meanscoincidently with said vertical adjustment of said distribution means,and thereby to vary the velocity of said current coincidently withvertical variation of the zone of said distribution.

4. In the separator specified in claim 2, said coincident connectionbeing operable to increase the speed of revolution of said currentcirculation means coincidently with upward adjustment of saiddistribution means, and being thereby operable to increase the velocityof said current coincidently with elevation of the zone of distribution.

5. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward currentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith, andaffording a communication passage between and in communication with saidchambers, rotary current circulation means in communication with saidpassages, for the upward circulation of a separating current in saidupward passage, for the separation of material therein, and for thecirculation of said current through said communication passage, variablespeed rotation means in operative relation to said circulation means forrevolving the latter, and variable for varying the speed of revolutionthereof, for varying the velocity of said current, for varying theseparation, distribution means Within said upward passage, for thesupply and distribution therein of material to be separated by saidcurrent, and radially movably adjustable for radially varying the widthcf the zone of said distribution, for varying said separation, anddistributor radial adjustment means in operative relation to saiddistribution means, and movable for radially movably adjusting thelatter; the combination therewith of an operative connection betweensaid variable speed means and said radial adjustment means, operative tosimultaneously vary said variable speed means and said radial adjustmentmeans.

6, In the separator specified in claim 5, said operative connectionbeing operable to increase the speedof revolution of said variable speedmeans coincidently with radial increase of the size of said distributionmeans, whereby to increase the speed of revolution of said circulationmeans coincidently with diminution of the width of said zone ofdistribution, and thereby to increase the velocity of said currentcoincidently with decrease in the zone of said distribution.

'7. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward currentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith andaffording a communication passage between and in communication with saidchambers, revoluble current circulation means in communication with saidpassages, for the upward circulation of the separating current in saidupward passage for the separation of material therein and for thecirculationof said current through said communication passage, andrevoluble at variable speed for varying the velocity of said current,for varying said separation, distribution means within a lower portionof said upward passage, for the supply and distribution therein ofmaterial to be separated by said current, bafile means within saidupward passage and spaced below said outlet and above said distributionmeans, comprising a rotary ring of segments having current passage edgesabove said distribution means and below said outlet, for defining thespace therebetween through which said current may flow, said segmentsbeing inwardly and outwardly slidably adjustable, for radially varyingthe width of said space, for varying said separation below said baiiiemeans, and segment adjustment means in operative relation to said bafflemeans, for radially sliding said segments; the combination therewith ofa coincident operative connection between said circulation means andsaid bafile adjustment means, operative to simultaneously vary the speedof revolution of said circulation means and said radial adjustmentmeans.

8. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward currentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith andafiording a communication passage between and in communication with saidchambers, revoluble current circulation means in communication with saidpassages for the upward circulation of the separating current in saidupward passage for the separation of material therein, and for thecirculation of said current through said communication passage, andrevoluble at variable speed for varying the velocity of said current,for varying said separation, distribution means within a lower portionof said upward passage, for the supply and distribution therein ofmaterial to be separated by said current, upper bafile means below andadjacent said upper outlet and above said upward passage, for definingthe space through which said current may flow therefrom, and verticallyadjustable for varying said space, for

varying the velocity of said current, for varying said separation, andbaflie adjustment means in operative relation to said bafile, andadjustably movable for vertically adjusting the latter; the combinationtherewith of a coincident operative connection between said circulationmeans and said baflie adjustment means, operative to simultaneously varythe speed of revolution of said circulation means and said verticaladjustment means.

9. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward currentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith, currentcirculation means in communication wtih said passage for the upwardcirculation therein of a separating current, for the separation ofmaterial therein, rotary distribution means within said upward passage,for the supply and rotatable distribution therein of material to beseparated by said current, and movably adjustable for varying the zoneof said distribution, variable speed rotation means in operativerelation to said distribution means for rotating the latter, andvariable for varying the speed of rotation thereof, for varying thevelocity of said distribution, and distributor adjustment means inoperative relation to'said distribution means and movable for movablyadjusting the latter; the combination therewith of a coincidentoperative connection between and common to and in operative relation tosaid distributor adjustment means and to said speed variation means,operative to vary the latter coincidently with adjustment movement ofthe former, and thereby to vary the velocity of said distributioncoincidently with variation of the zone of said distribution.

10. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an'upward currentpassage .and an upper current outlet in communication therewith, currentcirculation means in communication with said passage, for the upwardcirculation of a separating current therein, for the separation ofmaterial therein, rotary distribution means within said upward passage,for the supply and rotatable distribution therein of material to beseparated by said current, and-revoluble at variable speed, for varyingthe velocity of said distribution, for varying said separation, variablespeed rotation means in operative relation tosaid distribution means,for rotating the latter .at variable speed, a rotary ring of segmentsaround said distribution means, having outer edges for radially definingthe width of the zone of said distribution, and inwardly and outwardlyslidable for increasing and decreasing said width, for varying saidseparation, and segment adjustment means in operative relation to saidsegments and adjustably movable for radial- .ly sliding the latter; thecombination therewith of a coincident operative connection between andcommon to and in operative relation to said.

rent passage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith,revoluble current circulation means in communication with said passage,for the upward circulation of a separating current therein, for theseparation of material therein, and revoluble at variable speed'forvarying the velocity of said current, for varying said separation,rotary distribution means within said upward passage, for the supply androtatable distribution of material therein'to be separated by saidcurrent, movably adjustable, for varying the zone of said distribution,for varying the separation, and revoluble at variable speed, for varyingthe velocity of said distribution, for varying said separation, saidcirculation means and said distribution means being relativelyrevoluble,

variabl speed rotation means in operative relation to said circulationmeans and said distribution means respectively, for relatively rotatingeach thereof at variable speeds of revolution, and

distributor adjustment means in operative relation to said distributionmeans and adjustably movable for movably adjusting the latter; thecombination therewith of a coincident operative connection between andcommon to and in operative relation to said adjustment means and to.

said variable rotation means respectively, for relatively varying thelatter coincidently with adjustment movement of the former, operatedwith said adjustment movement of said adjustment means, and when sooperated operative to relatively vary the speeds of revolution of saidvariable rotation means respectively coincidently with said adjustmentmovement of said adjustment means, and thereby to vary the velocity ofsaid current and the velocity of said distribution coincidently withvariation of the zone of said distribution.

12. In a separator comprising a settling chamber and a separatingchamber, an inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top of theseparating chamber, said inlet and outlet affording communicationbetween the separating and settlingchambers; a fan arranged to produce acurrent of air through said inlet into said separating chamber.-upwardly through said separating chamber, and through said outlet intosaid settling chamber; a rotary distributor in said separating chamber;means for feeding material to be separated to said distributor; saiddistributor being adjustable as to its radial extent; a valve platepositioned above and adjacent the outlet, and adjustable toward and fromthe outlet to vary the space through which said current may flow fromsaid separating chamber; the combination therewith of a commonadjustment means for said valve plate and distributor, constructed andarranged to coincidently adjust the radial extent of said distributorand adjust said valve plate relative to said outlet,.therebysimultaneously varying the radial extent of the zone of. distributionand the velocity of the current.

13. In a separator comprising a settling chamber and a separatingchamber, an inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top of saidseparating chamber, said inlet and outlet affording communicationbetween the separating and settling chambers; a fan arranged to producea current of air through said inlet into said separating chamber,upwardly through the separating chamber and through said outlet into thesettling chamber; a rotary distributor in said separating chamber; meansfor feeding material to be separated to said distributor; saiddistributor comprising a ring of radially slidable segments the outeredges of which form the outer edges of the distributor; and a platepositioned below and adjacent said outlet and adjustable toward and fromsaid outlet to vary the space through which current may flow to saidoutlet from the separating chamber; the combination therewith of acommon adjustment means for said plate and said distributor segments,constructed and arranged to coincidently move said distributor segmentsradially and adjust said plate relative to said outlet, therebysimultaneously varying the radial extent of the zone of distribution andthe velocity of the current.

14. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward currentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith, currentcirculation means in communication with said passage for the upwardcirculation of a separating current therein, distribution means within alower portion of said passage, for the supply and distribution thereinof material to be separated by said current, and vertically adjustable,for varying the height of the zone of said distribution, for varyingsaid separation, upper bafiie means below and adjacent said upper outletand above said upward passage, for defining the space through which saidcurrent may flow therefrom, and movably adjustable relatively to saiddistribution means, for varying said space, for varying the velocity ofsaid current, for varying said separation, and adjustment means inoperative relation to said distribution means and said upper bafilemeans, and adjustably movable for movably adjusting each thereof; thecombination therewith of a motion change coincident operative connectionbetween and common to said distribution means and said upper bafilemeans, for movably adjusting the latter coincidently with movableadjustment of the former, in operative relation to and operated withmovable adjustment of said distribution means, and in operative relationto and operative to movably adjust said upper bafile means relatively toand coincidently with movable adjustment of said distribution means, andbeing thereby operable to vary said space and the velocity of saidcurrent coincidently with variation of the zone of said distribution.

15. In the separator specified in claim 14, said coincident operativeconnection between said distribution means and said upper baflle meansbeing a reverse motion connection, and being operable coincidently withmovable adjustment of said distribution means in one direction tomovably adjust said upper bafile means in a reverse direction.

16. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward currentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith, currentcirculation means in communication with said passage, for the upwardcirculation of a separating current therein, for the separation ofmaterial therein, distribution means within said passage for the supplyand distribution therein of material to be separated by said current,and vertically adjustable, for vertically varying the zone of saiddistribution, for varying said separation, a rotary ring ad stment 1-'Ju 40 means in operative relation to and for supporting said parts; thecombination therewith of a connection between and common to saiddistribution means and said segments, operative to radially movablyadjust the latter in response to vertical movable adjustment of theformer.

1'7. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upward currentpassage and an upper current outlet in communication therewith, rotarycurrent circulation means in communication with said passage for theupward circulation of a separating current therein, for the separationof material therein, and revoluble at variable speed for varying thevelocity of said current, for varying said separation, variable speedrotation means in operative relation to said circulation means forrotating the latter, and adjustable for varying the speed of saidrotation thereof, for varying said velocity, rotary distribution meanswithin said passage, for the supply and rotatable distribution thereinof material to be separated by said current, rotatsupport means inoperative relation to and for supporting said parts; the combinationtherewith of an adjustment connection between and common to and inoperative relation to said variable rotation means and said distributionmeans, for simultaneously adjusting each thereof, revolubly connected toone thereof, operated with movable adjustment to said distributionmeans, and when so operated being operable during rotation of the latterto adjust said rotation means simultaneously with movable adjustment ofsaid distribution means, and thereby to vary the velocity of saidcurrent coincidently with variation of the Zone of said distribution.

18. In a current separator comprising, a settling chamber, a separatingchamber therein having a lower current inlet and an upper currentoutlet, a fan above and in communication with said outlet, a rotarydistributor plate in said separating chamber, and a rotary, ring ofradially slidable segments in said separating chamber; the combinationtherewith of nonrotary adjustment means externally mounted on saidseparator, a shaft rotatably carried by said adjustment means androtating said ring of segments, and connections between said shaft andsaid segments constructed and arranged to cause radial movement of saidsegments when the position of said shaft is changed by said adjustmentmeans.

19. A current separator for. grading materials comprising, an outercasing enclosing a settling chamber, an inner casing enclosing aseparating chamber having a lower inlet and an upper outlet incommunication with said settling chamber, rotary fan blades above andhaving inner edges around said outlet, for causing a fluid current toflow up through said separating chamber and return through said settlingchamber, for separating and floating fine material into the latter, adownward supply conduit in said separating chamber, for downwardlysupplying material to be separated therein, and a distributor in saidseparating chamber, opposite and below said conduit, for interceptingsaid downward supply, and for outwardly distributing said material insaid current; the combination therewith of an inverted conical,vertically adjustable, rotary valve, inwardly of said inner edges of andencircled by said blades, above and adjacent said outlet, for definingthe space through which said current may flow therethrough, verticallyadjustable for varying said space, for varying said current andseparation, rotatable for rotatably discharging fine material from saidvalve, upwardly and outwardly extended opposite said outlet, and adaptedto upwardly and outwardly deflect said current from said outlet andradially toward said inner edges.

20. In a separator, comprising a casing enclosing a current passage, acasing enclosing a separating chamber having a lower current inlet andan upward current passage and an upper current outlet in communicationwith said passage, supply means having an outlet orifice Within-saidseparating chamber at a level materially lower than said outlet,supplying material to be separated in said upward passage, currentcirculation means in communication with said upward passage, upfiowing aseparating current therethrough, movable distribution means within saidupward passage, distributing therein said material, and varying the zoneof said distribution, comprising a distributor member below saidorifice, defining said zone, movable current space variation means incommunication with one of said passages, defining the space past saidvariation means through which said current may fiow,

and varying said space and the velocity of said current, said movableparts being relatively movable, and support means for said parts; thecombination therewith of simultaneous relative adjustment means commonto and simultaneously adjusting said movable parts, in operativerelation to said movable parts, and constructed and arranged tosimultaneously relatively adjust said distribution means and saidcurrent space variation means, and means for operating said simultaneousmeans. I

21. In the separator specified in claim 20, said simultaneous relativeadjustment means being constructed and arranged to, during saidsimultaneous adjustment, adjust one of said relatively movable partsvertically relatively to the other of said relatively movable partssimultaneously with adjustment movement of the latter.

22. In the separator specified in claim 20, said simultaneous relativeadjustment means being constructed and arranged to, during saidsimultaneous adjustment, simultaneously adjust said relatively movableparts in reverse directions.

